Activity Overview
Jackson believed in a limited government, but during his time as president, he had and made use of expansive powers. This is especially evident in his fight against the Second Bank of the United States. Using a grid storyboard, students will describe the purpose and function of the bank. Students will then do the same for Jackson's response actions against the bank, as well as examine the effects on the American economy. They should also touch on Jackson's power of veto in their examination.
By using a grid, students will be able to easily visualize the cause and effect of each action. Students can even use their completed project as the base for a larger paper.
Extended Activity
Have students research the current standing and function of the Federal Reserve, our national “bank”, and securer of funds. Have students explain and understand its functions, the role it plays in the American economy today, and how it affects the common people of America today.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that describes Jackson's fight against the Second Bank of the US.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify three events or actions Jackson took against the Second Bank.
- In the first row, describe the power of the bank and Jackson's actions.
- In the second row, describe the outcome of the actions.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items to visualize each description.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Jackson believed in a limited government, but during his time as president, he had and made use of expansive powers. This is especially evident in his fight against the Second Bank of the United States. Using a grid storyboard, students will describe the purpose and function of the bank. Students will then do the same for Jackson's response actions against the bank, as well as examine the effects on the American economy. They should also touch on Jackson's power of veto in their examination.
By using a grid, students will be able to easily visualize the cause and effect of each action. Students can even use their completed project as the base for a larger paper.
Extended Activity
Have students research the current standing and function of the Federal Reserve, our national “bank”, and securer of funds. Have students explain and understand its functions, the role it plays in the American economy today, and how it affects the common people of America today.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that describes Jackson's fight against the Second Bank of the US.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify three events or actions Jackson took against the Second Bank.
- In the first row, describe the power of the bank and Jackson's actions.
- In the second row, describe the outcome of the actions.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items to visualize each description.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Jackson and the Bank War
Integrate primary sources into your Bank War lesson
Enhance your lesson by bringing in real historical documents like Jackson’s veto message or political cartoons from the era. Primary sources help students better understand perspectives and make history feel real.
Select engaging primary sources for students
Choose age-appropriate texts, images, or artifacts related to Jackson and the Bank War. Short excerpts from speeches, letters, or period illustrations work best for grades 2–8.
Break down documents with guiding questions
Guide students by providing simple, focused questions about each source. Examples: “Why did Jackson oppose the Bank?” or “What opinion does this cartoon show?”
Facilitate small group analysis and discussion
Divide students into small groups to examine sources together. Encourage discussion and sharing of different viewpoints to boost engagement and critical thinking.
Connect findings to your storyboard or chart
Have students add insights from primary sources to their storyboards. Linking evidence to their visual work deepens understanding and supports strong conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jackson and the Bank War
What was the Bank War during Andrew Jackson's presidency?
The Bank War refers to President Andrew Jackson's political struggle against the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson believed the bank was too powerful and favored the wealthy, so he took strong actions to weaken and eventually dismantle it during his presidency in the 1830s.
How did Andrew Jackson respond to the Second Bank of the United States?
Andrew Jackson responded by vetoing the bank's recharter bill, removing federal deposits, and distributing government funds to state banks. These actions demonstrated his use of presidential power to limit the bank's influence and ultimately led to its downfall.
What impact did Jackson's actions against the bank have on the American economy?
Jackson's actions led to the collapse of the Second Bank and increased power for state banks. This contributed to economic instability, including the Panic of 1837, and changed how the federal government managed money in the years that followed.
What is the purpose of creating a storyboard about Jackson and the Bank War?
Creating a storyboard helps students visually organize and understand the causes, actions, and effects of Jackson's fight against the bank. It allows for easier analysis and can serve as a foundation for deeper research or a written paper.
How does the Federal Reserve today compare to the Second Bank of the United States?
The Federal Reserve is the modern central bank of the U.S., established in 1913, and plays a key role in stabilizing the economy and managing national funds. Unlike the Second Bank, it operates under strict government oversight and is designed to serve the public interest, not just private investors.
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- Image taken from page 641 of '[Patton's Concise History of the American People, from the disoveries of the Continent to 1876 ... Illustrated, etc.]' • The British Library • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
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